At the end of every school year current AP Art students write words of advice, based on their experiences, to new students. AP Art is a self-directed, intensive art course that requires creativity, thought, ability, responsibility, concentration, and self-discipline.
KALINA SILVERMAN: Congratulations! If you’re scared, nervous, or intimidated, don't be! If you're excited, happy, and ready to explore your artistic talents, you should be!Remember this class is about using the time to explore your interests in art and try new things. You will learn a lot about who you are as an artist and as a student for that matter! Make absolutely sure that you don't procrastinate. As long as you use class time to do your assignments you will be fine and do great! You already have the talent, that's why you're in ap art, so don't be intimidated just explore.
Important things to remember, know your concentration early, Put time into your pieces, and just have fun! If you're in a slump, don't fret! There's plenty of sources of inspiration like books magazines the Internet and other students that you will all have access to.
Remember have fun :)
MIGUEL JIMENEZ: I had no determined goals going into AP Art, being a first year and being a senior seemed like a bad idea at the time. I didn't know where I wanted to go with photography and I wasn't sure I was prepared for a class that asked for a piece once a week. I had a hard time the first couple of weeks and was thinking of dropping the class. As you can tell I didn't, and I am so glad I stuck through. I learned so much about art and the diverse mediums there are in it. Going into the class I had no clue what Acrylic paint was, towards the end I was painting a spaceship I drew up with the paint. That is how much this class has helped me, and I appreciate everyone for helping me through the year. I would say my biggest accomplishment is learning how to deal with the stress that involve printing stuff in Costco. For people who work digitally and need to print, make sure you find a place close and cheap by your house. Remember to size your pictures to the required size with good resolution as well. I was forced to bring my laptop and make some last minute changes a couple of times because the sizes were wrong and I forgot to save the file as a JPG. Jpgs are important, and you should stay on top of the quality in them. Many things inspired my work as the year went by. My concentration was inspired by The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly movie and soundtrack. Always have your sketch book to write/draw cool ideas! I use it all the time.
ZOE MAETSU: When I was part of AP Art it really offered a new dimension to my high school life. Before I was in AP Art I was not really sure what I was doing in high school and no one ever really helped me to figure it out. But getting in to the class was a really nice accomplishment and from then on it only got better. There is a whole secret society in that class and they are all in the same boat as you just going to different places. That art community helps you figure out different art pieces, styles and forms of inspiration that you never thought you could have. The friends I made in Art class are some of the best friends that I have today. I suppose a great feat that I've made during the past two years of my class are my friends and my self confidence. My friends taught me to be prouder of the art I create and to ask for advice when I think i need it. Also to collaborate and bounce different ideas off each other when I can. It helps a lot to have people with different styles all around you since they help you explore more mediums and styles. Many times in class you fall into an art limbo. You do not want to re create something that you've already created and you can't think of anything new to make. People throw all different types of advice in my face when I fall into the limbo, but the only thing that I have ever learned to help is to look at other artists. Pick up one of the thousands of magazines in art class and just start flipping through them. Watch videos about old artists and new artists and try to recreate what they do. Pick your favorite passage in a book and illustrate it. Mainly, just look at other people's creations and work of off those. There is no shame in copying.
There is shame in not stating where you copied something. So copy away, but say who it is!
Do your artist reports. One of my main inspirations for art was derived from the artist reports for the same reasons as looking at different artists when you’re in a slump. Coming out of the class I've learned so much. My art has grown from just ideas that I primitively put down on printer paper, to things that I've spent time thinking through and creating. Now I can put my ideas down in a legitimate way that is comprehensible and tangible. Something that I can grow and develop from and make more art pieces. Ms. Bouse and all the other students taught me how to make the art that I make today.
You don't get an opportunity like this class often. You make the class the way you want it to be and you should take it very seriously. If you go into the class as a slacker and not contributing to the class then it will only make it less inspiring for everyone else. But if you take the class seriously and you work hard then everyone will benefit and you will grow so much more than you will ever expect.
Be confident, work hard, have a good time, and don't be a punk.
SAM BALFUS: Congrats! You have made it!! It takes true originality to be placed in AP art. You will soon learn that this class will be your relief in a gnarly junior year, something extra nice in your senior schedule or simply an hour of positive creativity. AP art is a family, and you will get to know the personalities, styles, and working methods of your fellow artists. It's always good to be informed by new things you find all the time, and the people learning around you are some quality ones. Always look up what Bouse gives you and the suggestions you get. Open random drawers in the beginning of your year, you always find cool stuff. A huge aspect of AP art is room A101 itself. The vibe is embodied in the place. Bouse will give you your assignments and stuff, but there is usually work time for a lot of the period everyday, especially once the year gets going, and so there’s a lot of room to do what you want, and if there’s a day once in a while you need to do some homework it's okay. Don't be afraid to play around with mediums you aren't used to, because it will happen anyways no matter what. Do collaborations with other artists too. Have a lot of fun, and look forward to the fact that you become significantly better no matter what pretty much immediately.I'll come by sometimes and check on y'all.
ALISON GUH: Congratulations on joining the AP Art community!My two years as an AP Art student have helped me become an entirely new artist. I came into AP Art with little direction with where my work was going. The past two years have helped me determine what style and mediums work for me, as well as develop my own unique style. AP Art is a great way to explore many styles and mediums and get feedback on what is working and what isn’t.
During a slump, I normally try to push through and keep working, no matter how much 0I dislike what I produce. Each piece helps us learn and develop as an artist—if we can’t take away something we like about it, we can learn from what we dislike about it. AP Art has helped me realize that I am the one missing out when I fall behind and I am the one who must want and need to do art to gain anything from the class and to grow as an artist. My advice is to draw inspiration from the artists around you in AP Art. Furthermore, exploring the websites of various artists on the internet is a great source of inspiration when you’re stuck.
The biggest thing that has inspired me is the work of the artists around me. I think the best part about being in AP Art is being a part of a community of like-minded artists. AP Art is what helped me realize that art does not have to be a solely individual activity; art can be collaborative. Working with your classmates will not only expose you to their individual style but also to artists that they gain inspiration from.
Overall, I have had an amazing AP Art experience these past two years. Like everyone else has been saying, what you get out of the class is equal to what you put into the class. If you are unwilling to put in the effort, you won’t get anything out of the class. However, if you do all your work and put your all into the class, you will gain so much from AP Art. Through AP Art, I learned how to critique art, how to be a self motivated artist, and so much more. Before AP Art, I had never been in an environment where I looked at other students work and discussed it with them. AP Art was the first time I critiqued the work of others as well as the first time I got feedback from a community of fellow artists about my own work. The best thing you can do is to put your effort into AP Art and you will be surprised at how much you evolve.
Again, I would like to emphasize that you should take full advantage of every opportunity presented to you through AP Art. Being a part of AP Art not only allows you to have a community of great fellow artists to work with, but it also presents many opportunities such as exclusive classes and contests that you otherwise wouldn’t have access to. Take advantage of them!
Have fun!
CHASE KUMASAKA: Going into this class, the one thing i didn't expect was to go to college for art. This class really helped me to hone in on my artistic abilities, and because of this class I realized that art was something that I really enjoyed doing. With the help of Ms. Bouse I was able to apply to a few art colleges and decided to go to CCA. I think that was one of my biggest accomplishments and it wouldn't have been possible without this class. During a slump I would either just try to pull ideas from other artists or from their styles. Another thing i would do would be to ask others for random scenarios and then try to create a piece from that. My advice would be to always try to step out of the box and try something new. I was often inspired by cartoon shows because I really like creating my own characters. These shows helped me to focus on not just the characters but how they interact with their environment and the environment itself. My suggestion would be to visit or look at a lot of subjects that interest you, and to really examine the subject. It will give you a good source to pull ideas and pieces from because you enjoy the subject. Overall this class was a both fun and stressful, but if you do the work and listen to Bouse the first time, it will be nothing but fun! This class helped me to incorporate colors into my pieces and it also gave me a type of style/direction. As far as my first year in this Ap class i feel that i have really grown as an artist, however I still have a lot to learn. As artists do not be afraid to try new things, explore yourself, break some boundaries but try not to get down on yourself if the pieces don't turn out the way you imagined them. Learn to listen to the advice given to you by classmates and teachers and try to incorporate some of the advice because it really helps. Overall just have fun and do your own thang.MOLLY CONN: This is a great class. Here are a few tips that I wish someone had said to me in the beginning of the year. It is very clique-y (so I hope you like where you are sitting). Also, the class is what you make it. If you slack off, no one will stop you. They will keep telling you that you are making good work. Lastly, this class is and always was my lowest grade. All written assignments have a week long “grace period” which makes them really easy to forget to actually turn in. I really enjoyed this class. In the beginning I was frustrated because I thought no one was putting effort into their work, but everyone improved SO much by the end of the year so it was really nice. Ms. Bouse sets up presentations from old students (who are now studying and practicing art), art colleges, and even a demo from a paint company. I hope you have a great year!
EDIE COTE: Congratulations! This year is going to be a lot of work but a lot of fun. I remember the very first day of AP art last year; I was really intimidated by the older and more-experienced artists, and because of that I doubted my abilities. But after the first critique, I realized that everyone is really welcoming and really wants you to grow and develop your art. The key thing is to not be scared because you will get better.
If you are really passionate about what you do, it will show. However, there will be times when you get something called "artist's block." This is actually not a bad thing because the solution can lead to great things.
When i feel uninspired, I take my sketchbook and just draw, watercolor, ink, paint, and experiment with any random thing I find in the classroom. Not to mention the cool things that JB, our art angel, brings for us to do on Wednesdays.
This class is not like any other in that it's very independent, while it still maintains a community feeling. There is a lot of paperwork and it may seem overwhelming, but they really do keep you organized, so use them well--especially the calendar and the project record.
The most important thing I learned in this class is to keep an open mind; you're not going to always agree with someone's thoughts, but most of the time, they offer a fresh perspective. Most of all, be organized, stay focused, and appreciate what you do. You have been given a gift!
JOE HELLER: This year I really improved my artistic skills. During a slump I would draw a lot in my sketchbook and take a look at other artist’s works that interested me. Also a great source of inspiration can be books that you like. I would advise reading a lot so you can always have ideas. I had a good AP experience and for incoming kids it’s as good as you want it to be.
AMORETTE MUZINGO: Welcome to the most insightful class at Samohi. Here, you’re going to meet new faces, listen to rad music, change and evolve in a way you can’t imagine. Your art will grow immensely whether you pick up a completely medium or reinforce your forte. Respect your fellow artists as well as their art, but most importantly respect Bouse. Bouse is the most wonderful and caring teacher I’ve ever had the pleasure of being in company with.This year was a strange year for me—I came back from a pre-college program at SFAI where literally half of the time I was there, I was in the dark room. I worked mainly in black and white film; it was something I felt had been my signature medium. This year in AP Art I’ve constantly been filling sketchbooks with abstract watercolors and line work. It felt like a complete 180º turn from what I was involved with before. AP Art had a lot of fun materials to offer and I definitely suggest taking advantage of them. AP Art is a place where you’ll be able to experiment like I did, just don’t stray too far off the beaten track. Definitely keep in mind that the pieces you do may be the ones you send in to the AP.
During a slump, I only have one cure: experiment, experiment, experiment. Try abstract work, try a portrait, try using anything but your hands to paint. You’ll be able to figure out crazy new things you never knew you could do before. Also, look for inspiration. Collab with other artists; you’ll always be influenced by their style, and that’s not a bad thing at all! You’ll morph it into your own; it’s a matter of finding your own voice through singing every song. The only way you’ll be able to get out of a slump is through hands on work.
What inspired me a lot this year was a lot of inner reflection. I always keep a sketchbook on me that I write/draw/paint in daily. I paste in certain memories and write down thoughts that eventually turn into pieces. Some of my work this year has been conceptual self-portraits. You’ll definitely learn a lot about yourself this year through your art if you really put the effort in. That’s another key element to having a successful time in AP Art—putting in the effort. If you put in the work and dedication, your results will be worth it.
My overall AP Art experience was a fantastic one. I reinforced great friendships—experimented a lot with the different media that was around, and definitely learned how to better critique. I forced myself to fill up a page in my sketchbook everyday, and constantly working definitely made me realize what I liked and what I didn’t like, and I strongly recommend you do the same.
My last advice to you guys would be:
-Don’t stress out over concentrations. It’ll find you, or you will find it. Don’t force yourself into a subject matter you know you won’t have the stamina to do for a year.
-Absorb all of the art and artists you can. It helps so much with daily conversations and your own art.
-Have fun. Smile. Inhale and exhale art making.
NOAH ROSENBERG: Whether you draw, paint, take photographs, play music, or write, it’s of great importance that you express yourself creatively. Personally, I cannot imagine going through a day without doing, or participating in some form or art. This is why AP art is such a great class. It is a period of school where you are allowed to express yourself creatively, in any medium, in any way. It allows you to take a break from all your other academic classes, switch gears, and zone out into the world of art. Throughout this year I have grown tremendously as an artist. By producing a piece of art every week I have explored many different mediums, and styles. My inspiration has come from my classmates. During the Friday critiques, you gain so much inspiration from your peers. Seeing what they do, can open up new doors, and sprout new ideas. Overall I really enjoyed AP Art. Everyone is so nice, and interesting. I strongly recommend working hard in this class. What you put in is what you get out, so put in the effort and produce great art!
I hope you have fun next year!
MARLENY IZQUIERDO: Dear incoming AP Art Students This class is a lot of fun but it also comes with hard work and dedication. This year I accomplished many things but the main one for me was being able to be open to try new things. I don’t like change in my art very much. I was always used to drawing very light with pencil and now I draw with pen and I don’t use lines anymore but numbers. I learned that if you really open up to try new things you would actually find yourself through your art. During a slump, I just kept trying and did my best to make my piece what I wanted to make it. I think the main thing that really inspired me, like I said trying new things. The artist reports are very helpful. They open up your mind to new ideas that you can later incorporate into your own. My overall AP art experience was very rewarding. Even though I was going through personal stuff at that moment I still felt that it was a class that I could draw and just worry about that. I got a lot of confidence in myself, as an artist and as a person. Something very valuable I would like to share with you guys is, take this class seriously. This class has a greater joy than any other class I’ve ever taken. I just feel I should of taken more advantage of the free time I had to draw and the materials as well. But most importantly ENJOY IT !
COCO BALDONADO: This year I was able to accomplish making so much more work, because I had time in my day to do it and also because I had to in order to keep my grade up. I learned about how I work as an artist, and how to push myself in order to move forward. Being around other students that are interested in the same things as you are is so helpful, and doing collab things and being influenced by everyone else's work is the perfect way to get yourself out of a slump. Make sure that when you start the class, you have a basic idea of what you want your concentration to be, so that you can get it done and out of the way before its too late. Personally, I got really tired of my concentration about halfway through, and the remaining pieces that I made look uninspired and rushed. Make sure that your doing something that you can stick with for a while. Overall, this is a wonderful class if you are truly interested in making and learning about art, if you're just here to get that extra point in your GPA, or to have another AP on your transcripts, this is not the place for you. Not only will the teacher and students know that you do not care, you will not have a good time. If you aren't used to drawing, painting, creating, etc., everyday, then you should start getting used to it now. This is by far my favorite class, and you will be sure to have an interesting time, to say the least.
YEKUN DING: Congratulations on getting in this class! You will definitely enjoy this year. I can also guarantee that you will make at least two new friends. (This was guaranteed to me by last year’s students and was my favorite part of the year.) All students in the class have such unique personalities. I loved getting inspired by people around me. The atmosphere of the classroom is great. This is probably the only class you’ll have where you won’t be judged by your teacher or your classmates. Take advantage of this opportunity to express yourself in your artwork and experiment with different media. Also take advantage of the people around you. Their contributions might just lead to your next great piece. I’ve heard a lot of you say that you don’t think you’re good enough. Get that silly thought out of your head! If you were accepted into this class, you obviously had some solid stuff in your portfolio. In case you feel uncreative at times, which is normal, doodle in your sketchbook or walk around and talk to others to get ideas. Class time is valuable, so make sure you take full advantage of it. This year, I gained new ideas. This was made possible by 1) getting inspired by people around me and 2) listening during Friday critiques. I learned that sometimes, an idea will fully develop will a little nudge, and that nudge may come from someone else.
ELLA ROGERS-FETT: Frankly, I’m jealous of you all for all of the potential of the year awaiting you. AP Art as so many of my classmates have said, is really what you make of it. Instead of the harsh guidelines and strict learning goals of your other Advanced Placement classes (although you may encounter some of that with the actual AP test), this is a class that you can tailor directly to your needs and interests. This is not an environment meant to intimidate you or force you into comparisons with your peers, but a place of positive and creative energy where you must work from internal motivations. Turn in paperwork on time because you care about the assignments. Show high quality work at critique because you want to be proud of what you produce. Participate in class discussions because you want your peers feedback when your work is shown. Ms. Bouse is far more helpful than she has to be but she will not hold your hand any more than she would control your art making process. Be responsible for producing timely work and clean up after yourself. The art room is only a nice place if you keep it a nice place. You will be surprised to find the high quality of art supplies around the room and the more organized you keep these, the more quickly you can begin working each day. Keep up with your work throughout the summer so you won’t feel like you are drowning come August. I hope you have a wonderful year full of growth and discovery. Welcome to the class.
DOREEN FARAHDEL: AP Art is an extremely rewarding class. It is important to realize that this class is what you make it. You can easily put in no effort and not get anything out of the class. But once you are in the class, you realize that is is hard to slack off because you want to earn the respect of your fellow artists and of your teacher. You should try your hardest not to procrastinate because that is the one thing I regret the most. I always found myself putting off my art piece to thursday night and on friday's critique i was not happy with my piece. But when i got into the rythm and zone while i was working i asked myself why i did not start this piece earlier. It is also very important to push your self and try to mediums and subject matter. In the long run it will help your work a lot.
You should also try to participate as much as you can during critiques because the more advice you give others, the better feedback you will get.
Lastly, enjoy yourself. This class helped me grow a lot through out my last two years of high school and i love the family environment. Have fun!
GABY JAUREGUI: I remember when I first entered the class, I felt intimidated. I looked around and was surrounded by students with far better experience in art than I was. I, however, soon learned that we were all a group that would help one another. They helped me advance my art. By them helping me I was able to reach out of my comfort zone and discover new ways in which to create my art. I learned to experiment with a variety of materials and mediums.When I became momentarily stuck in one piece I would move on until I could come back to it with a fresh mind and go on from there. When I saw that others were in similar positions as was I, I would offer ideas according to their style and that in turn would sometimes bring up ideas for myself. I know that by doing so I grew away from my original point in the beginning of the year. I did, at one point or maybe even more than on one occurrence, became lost and did not know what to do. I was able to pull through because of my fellow classmates, they provided me with many ideas of ways to create art.
I highly suggest that when you go into AP Art you become prepared for a fast paced class. I learned that in order to not be stressed you take measured steps in order to achieve your finishing goal of a completed piece. I did indeed have a very good AP Art experience. I was very nervous at first but I soon learned to accommodate accordingly. The people in the class were a very instrumental part in my growth as an artist. From the year in AP Art I was able to get a better understanding of what I need to do in order to achieve great success. I would like to say that, in the beginning, the class will be hard but once you begin to relax you will soon learn to work smoothly and finally love it. You become a family.
AMANDA CONCORS: Congratulations on your acceptance into AP art! I hope you’re looking forward to all the fun and great experiences you will have next year. This class will be different from any other course that is provided at SAMOHI, one of the great things about AP art is that you’re surrounded by classmates that immediately share a common interest with you. It’s a great environment and opportunity to be working around a group of students that all have a passion for art and you’ll find that everyone is really supportive of each other’s work. Some things that I would recommend to a new student is to not get overwhelmed with the fast pace schedule of the class. Be prepared to accept that some of the pieces you make will not always be your best. Our class is not about who can make the best piece, it’s about learning and exploring the fields of art. But I also strongly recommend staying on top of all the assignments, especially the gallery and artist reports. These reports are very important to your development and knowledge in art and art history, they can help inspire you in trying new styles or mediums, and they have a large impact on your grade. Before AP art I wasn’t aware of all the different styles and mediums that are out there for me to try. After seeing all my other classmates, I became influenced and inspired by them into exploring new things. I’ve seen a huge improvement in my artwork because of this class, and have had a great overall experience.ANISSA PADILLA: Coming into AP art maybe intimidating but, there is a reason as to why you were accepted. Not being confident in your pieces is normal at first. I know I was and it was difficult to sit and listen to people critique your work, even if it’s positive feedback. With time and a couple of crits it’s easier to display your work in front of your peers.
Your peers also have a lot of great ideas, you’re in a room full of creative minds, take their advice! Although some idea maybe is whacky or out of your comfort zone giving it a try may be the best thing you do. Having an open mind in what you draw or what you medium you use will help prevent you from ever getting into a slump.
If you ever do get in a giant slump you can seem to get out of, pull ideas from the people around you. Get inspired by another artist whether it is at a gallery (which you have to do every other week) or at your table or online. You’ll be able to build around one person’s idea and mold and alter it into your own.
My overall AP Art experience was great, it has helped me become more comfortable showing my artwork, explore my own style and grow technically. There’s always room for improvement and growth, this class is the perfect place to explore several different avenues of art.
JESSIE KENDALL-BAR: First of all, congratulations on being accepted into this AP Art class. This is, first and foremost, a class where you will learn to develop the skills you already have as an artist. I don't think I fully appreciated the fact that it could also be a class in which we learn more about media we do not know how to use. If you put in the time and show enough interest in a new way to make art, you will learn how to do those new things, but if you don't, you could be left to what you do best. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, either. I mostly developed my skills with marker this year, learning to do delicate shading with such a harsh medium. I regret not seeking help from other people. I feel like I could have learned a lot more had I explored new art media and taken more risks.
For me, inspiration was never hard to find. I do suggest keeping a sketchbook, or even a smaller notebook to write ideas in, because I get inspiration every day from a variety of things. The hardest thing is finding an interactive and original way to portray your idea. When I felt uninspired or bored with a piece, I simply moved on. Some of the pieces, I came back to, but others I never did. That's perfectly fine. A piece which doesn't inspire the artist probably won't inspire anyone who looks at the art. I say this only because I very rarely get bored with a piece. Even with coloring huge backgrounds in with teal markers, my greatest fear is running out of ink, not losing inspiration.
I loved to have the opportunity to draw daily and I think you should all take advantage of the experience and most of all, ENJOY it!
Good luck!
REVA SANTO: Having now completed my second year in the AP art program I would like to reflect and share some insights that will hopefully be helpful to you as you enter the next school year. When I first came to this class all of my work was very realistic and I had an emphasis on photography. That first year was particularly exciting because for the first time I was able to really experiment with new mediums and step out of my box. Over the following year I only continued to do so and was able to create my own style and my own niche, one that I was not aware even existed. The only reason I was able to do so was because I was open minded and stopped worrying so much about the final product. I remember that somewhere in the middle of all that I reached a wall and was overly cautious with all my art. To surpass this I began listening to music while drawing which helped me stop worrying so much and I was finally able to get to a more finished product. This year music provided as the biggest inspiration for me. Overall I have absolutely enjoyed my experience in AP art. Aside from developing so much as an artist, we also created a little family that I have truly grown to love and appreciate. My advice to you is to speak up and let your voice be heard, to color outside of the lines, and to enter this experience with open arms.
ERICK MARTINEZ: Hey new AP ART students congrats on getting in to the class. Next year you will be working with many talented artists with different levels of experience and different styles. Don't worry if you think your work isn’t as good as others because it will improve quickly. One of my main accomplishments in the class was that my worked improved rapidly and I completed 50 or more pieces through out the year while experimenting with different mediums. Also be sure talk to all the people sitting around you because everyone is so nice, they can give you tips and ideas for your work & encourage you to try new mediums you might not even know about. This year I learned a lot about my work through the critiques and great feedback from friends. If your stuck on a piece don't panic just leave it for a day or two and comeback to it. If you don't have the time to leave it for a day then I recommend going online and looking at several artists you really like, just to get some inspiration. That really seems to work for me. Also if you care about your grade remember to stay on track with the artist and gallery reports. Overall ive had a great experience in AP Art and have made some great friends. I learned a lot a bout my artwork and how to work with several new mediums. Some advice I have for you new kids is to consider peoples suggestions during critiques, check the calendar every Monday and Friday, Stay on track with the work and last but not least DON'T forget the FOOD.
ARMANDO SEPULVEDA MENDOZA: AP Art is a good class for improving your art. After two years of AP Art, my art seems more complete then when I first entered AP Art. When I entered art I only knew how to paint from pictures, and consequently, I had no creativity or variety which made my art look weak. However, being in AP Art allowed me to be more exposed to new art that gave me some inspiration to try new art mediums and pursue different methods. This really helped my art become more complete because by trying new methods I discovered things that I liked and was good at. This year, I never really had a “slump” because if I didn’t have any new ideas I would draw some of the doodles on my school notes. This allowed me to become more creative, and come up with my concentration for the AP. My advice to you is: don’t be afraid to try new things, even if that means that you create a bad piece. Good luck next year.
GABRIELA CURIEL: Welcome to AP Art. I hope you read every advice and are super excited. AP Art is the best art class in school and I advise you to enjoy it. The class is fast-paced, but there are critiques were your classmates give you helpful critiques. The monthly calendar is helpful because you know what is going on. This class exposes you to different mediums and other talented artist that are friendly.To be on top of everything of this class you need to turn in your assignments on time and keep a record of your art pieces as jpegs so you can use them for the AP Art Portfolio. The more you work on your art pieces, the better they will look. At the end of the school year you will know everybody's style and know what is your style.
During a slump I would look at other artwork in the art books Ms. Bouse has to find a background for my piece or a subject matter.
What inspired me was my culture and the traditions that I can relate to because they are personal. Find something that you always think about and make it your concentration.
I like this class because it is filled with unique/weird artists who are all different. You will make a lot of new friends, bond and have fun.
Take in mind that you will need to have room to finish your art projects and finish your homework from other classes, okay. Overall, take this class seriously, be respectful and have good-management skills to set good priorities.
CHARLIE GIANNETTI: This year is going to be an extremely fulfilling one. Ap Art has changed my life in ways that I had really never imagined. It has sculpted my college experience and the way that I look at art as a whole. For example next year my writing course is called "artist's work and artist's lives." The single reason I picked this class was because I have had an amazing time this year doing artist reports and learning about an array of artists. My first year of AP Art this was one of the major things that I dreaded, it's strange how things like that change and mold your world.I have accomplished a lot this year. I've really been able to find myself and have gained the confidence and the specific skill set to start actually producing shirts. Product development has always been one of the things that I am most interested in and this class has really allowed me to expand upon it.
I never really hit a slump this year. At a certain points though I did realize that I wanted to change the direction of my art. A decision that really led to the completion of my idea for what I wanted to make of my time in college. The inspiration from the class in the form of seeing a variety of new artists and doing a large sum of graphic work has been amazing. My main suggestion for people is search for artists you love. It's really the only way to move forward and continue to stretch and challenge oneself.
Work hard. Play harder.
AVERY HILL: This year I have accomplished a new style of art than I was doing in September. I used to only draw and paint, and now I feel more comfortable to use different mediums, and now mostly do collages. Throughout my class this year people used a variety of different materials for their pieces, and JB (a lady that comes in on wednesdays and teaches us different styles) was influential to me on changing my medium. I've learned a lot from the kids in my class, Ms. Bouse, artist reports and gallery. All of these sources have helped me to see other work besides just my own so I am able to grow as an artist. This year, when I fell into a slump I decided to ask others for ideas, and do something I haven't before. Slumps are great learning opportunities for me. This year my work was inspired my African Art, and I was inspired by my mom because she always pushed me to not give up and encouraged me to get better at art. For the artists coming into AP I suggest that you take artist and gallery reports seriously so you can artists you really like, and learn from them. My two years in AP have been really fun, and I learned I can just be myself through what I do. The advice I can give to new students is be yourself, and don't be afraid to try things your not used to.
AUSTIN CONRAD: Congratulations on being accepted into AP Art.Remember to complete all of the assignments on time. You will make so many friends in the class. AP Art is one of the most enjoyable classes at Samo. There are many different materials you can use in the classroom, and hopefully you will try some really strange material. Every friday there is a critique where people will see your art, and comment on it. AP Art can help, but you need put in the work if you want to be a better artist. You shouldn't be afraid to ask how someone does something, or even copy someone.
Have a great year in AP Art, and i hope you have fun!
CHUM ZACKSON: First of all, welcome to the class! I hope you're ready for the task. As you all should know by now, being in AP Art is a huge commitment, and will take up a big part of your life. That being said, you should also know that as long as you stay on top of your work and balance your schedule right, you should have no problem keeping up with the class. The art room is full of every recourse you could need to be successful in the class, so no excuses! In this class, I have made so much progress with my work, and being surrounded by other artists who give you feedback and inspire you and show you new things has been a big part of that. Having other students who take the course as serious as you do helps you develop so much both as an artist and an overall person. You learn how to work effectively on a time frame, and how to both give and receive handy constructive criticism. Inevitably though, at some point in the year you may hit a flump. It happens to everyone, so don't worry too much about it. The best thing you can do for yourself in these situations is just relax, keep calm and carry on. As long as you are working on something you'll wiggle out of it. Sometimes it helps to experiment with new materials, or try a new style of art to help get out of these mucks. Overall though, for the past two years I have had a fantastic experience in art, and have made such strong connections with other students, and I wouldn't hesitate to say that it is my favorite class.
And as long as you're willing to work hard and participate in the class, you should fit right in! Can't wait to see your shining faces!
KATEY HOBKIRK: Welcome to the program! AP Art is a course that is exactly what you make it to be. What effort you put in you get right back. My personal experience will not be the same as yours but here it goes: I came into AP Art thinking there was no way I would ever be as good as the other people in the class. Looking at the power point during the meeting at the end of school I figured there must have been a mistake. But over time I became comfortable with doing new things like painting and watercolors. I was introduced to the micron and was surrounded by people who legitimately cared about giving me good advice for my work. I sat at a table with some acquaintances and over time I have come to consider them friends. When I was stuck I could turn to them and they’d help me out. When I looked at a piece and thought something was missing they’d tell me exactly what it was. It helps to have friends. I learned so much about different styles of art and mediums, also I loved the self-motivation of the class. Now for some advice… From a person who already took the class I can say that you shouldn’t procrastinate. You think you have time to get your portfolio done but you never will. Find a concentration ASAP and finish at least 4 of the pieces before you even consider working on anything else. It pays to get at least one of your portfolio sections over with so you can add or subtract pieces where necessary. Chances are the things you add as possibilities in the beginning of the year will be replaced by the end. Regardless, the most important thing to keep in mind is that the class shouldn’t be too hard. You should be having fun and as long as you do your assignments and keep on track you really have no chance of getting below a B+. Good luck young grasshoppers!
YURI KAWASHIMA: Welcome! And Congratulations for getting into AP Art! In this class, I feel like I accomplished a lot. I became a better artist, as well as becoming more aware of other artists. I learned to improve as an artist both technically and mentally. This was possible I think because of the talented artists in the class as well as Ms. Bouse. We are so blessed to be in an environment where we can thrive as artists.
During a slump, you just need to take a break! Don't worry, it will eventually come to you. I got through many slumps by just taking a walk or surfing the internet for a little while.
Many things inspired me, including friends in the class that I sat near, daily activities, or the people I just usually hung around. Just have an open mind and you will be inspired by anything.
My overall experience for these past 2 years in AP art has been great, and every year the class is different. Really make the best of what the class offers you, and you'll do just fine. Don't worry, there's a reason you made it into AP Art.
AMY DICKEY: When I attended my first AP Art meeting and saw all the previous students’ art, I was very scared and intimidated for most of the first semester. I was so scared that I did not show my art for critiques because I had it in my mind that everyone was better than me. I learned that Friday critiques were very important. You always want to show your work during Friday critiques because that is how you get the best feedback and constructive criticism, which helps you learn and improve as an artist. You also always want to participate and learn to give feedback so people will do the same for you.
This year I tried new mediums such as watercolor, film photography, and stencil making. I participated in outside of school programs like Ryman Arts and the ROP airbrush class taught at Virginia Avenue Park. These programs helped me learn new techniques such as making my own stencils and learning how to blend colors with watercolors.
It is very important to be on top of your work and not to fall behind on assignments. Always do the Gallery reports, Artist reports & Project record. The Gallery and Artist reports are a good way to go and find other artist and mediums and a great way to get inspired. Also, this class is another way to get inspired because of all the artists surrounding you. We learn from each other! This class is a lot of fun and you definitely improve as and artist. It is a great learning experience. Good luck and have fun.
CHLOE ABARBANEL: First of all congratulations and welcome to AP Art! Get ready for a super fun and crazy year! You will accomplish so much with the help of Ms. Bouse and your classmates, you will have incredible opportunities to explore new ideas in a supportive environment, and most importantly you will have a time set aside from your stressful daily life to focus on your art. I am sure that you are probably a little nervous and you may be doubting yourself a little bit, but know that you go into this class for a reason. You were chosen out of many applicants because your portfolio stood out, and Ms. Bouse truly believes that you will be a strong addition to he class. Never forget that you are talented because you need to trust your ideas and skill in order to do well in this class and in art in general.Here are some general tips that you should know: Take critique well and listen to others ideas about your work, sometimes it takes another set of eyes to really take a piece to its full potential. Ask for help when you need it! Use time in class to work on your art because you will regret it if you don't. Make sure you turn in all you artist and gallery reports on time because there are a lot of them and if you start getting behind it is hard to catch up. Most importantly, make art that inspires you. Don't worry about what other people are going to say because if what you do makes you happy, that is more important that the opinions of others.
Good luck and feel free to ask me about anything!
BRIGETTE PROKHORENKO: I think the most important part of this class is to take the time to appreciate and be passionate about your craft, and to explore and/or discover new talents. AP Art is a great class to experiment; when I first came into the class, I primarily only worked with watercolors, but over the course of the year I have already tried out (and in some cases mastered) oil paint, colored pencils, fluorescent acrylic paints, markers, and other really interesting media that I have never tried before.My greatest accomplishment this year is definitely the development of my own distinctive style. I am one who gets easily inspired, so I really advocate doing pieces in the style of a favorite artist from time to time; before you know it, all the things you learn from your favorite artists will eventually mold into something unique, a style you can call your own. At least, that’s the way it happened for me. Before I knew it, I (as an aspiring character/concept designer) began to find that, while they had some elements of my favorite artists like Mucha and Erte, my methods of portraying people and characters started to become recognizable as “Brigitte’s style.” I also definitely learned a lot about other mediums; I taught myself how to work in markers and colored pencils (which became two of my favorite media) and practiced oil painting of eccentric subjects such as galaxies and nebulas in outer space. So I definitely branched out a lot in my abilities since the time I entered AP Art, and I’m sure that that will be the case for many incoming students.
If you ever get stuck, start doodling wherever you can; an idea will mostly likely come to you eventually! It’s important to take breaks from something you consecutively do, especially your concentration, which can get very tedious. So if you’re stuck or don’t know what else to do, try switching up the subject of your work. Like I previously mentioned, I started getting into paintings of outer space, something very different from my concept art and illustration, and I found that that helped me out a lot during my times of low inspiration. Another fun thing to do is replicating a painting or piece you really like; honestly, there is no shame in tracing or replicating (unless of course you do it all the time…) But we’re all here to learn, and one of the best ways to learn is to learn from you idols. So if you’re trying to figure out something to do, replicate a painting or photo for fun or to build up technical skill (doing this really helped me build my oil painting skills).
I loved my AP Art experience because it is hard, especially in high school, to find time for art. The class gave me a lot of time to practice concept design/ illustration and develop my characters more, as well as explore very many different styles and media. I really advise you to use your time wisely; as tempting is it may be, don’t do homework from other classes or read during this class. Do ART! An hour may not be a long class, but I really think you should take advantage of work days because with all the work that our other teachers give you, you might not have enough time at home to work on your projects, and then everything will pile up on you by the time that the AP comes around. Also, please be passionate. If you got into this class, you obviously love doing art, but for the love of God, take it seriously. Nobody likes a slacker, especially in an art class. Of course this is a place to have fun and make really awesome friends, but if you’re not going to take this class seriously or really try to take advantage of it, then I would advise rethinking going into AP Art.
Anyway, I congratulate everyone who got accepted into this wonderful program. I’m really excited for another awesome year and I’m looking forward to seeing some new artists in the class. And don’t be intimidated; this is a safe environment and all of us are here to help you become a better artist. There isn’t one artist in the class this year that hasn’t grown from the stage they were at in the beginning of the year, so be confident in your craft and know that you will constantly improve no matter what level you are at. And one more thing (possibly the most important of all…): if you sign up to bring food to critiques, DON’T FORGET TO BRING FOOD!
TARA GRIFFITH: As a current junior struggling to survive this hectic school year, I think it is important to realize that AP Art is not just a class you can slack off in. The difference between a regular art class and an AP art class is substantial, and you need to be really serious about your work in order to succeed and grow as a student artist. Although one may not believe this, I happen to find AP Art my hardest AP class and feel that the exam was by far the most challenging when compared to my other AP exams. However, despite all this honest yet severe talk about the class, I do find it the most enjoyable 50 minutes of the school day. It is a much needed moment of respite for me, especially on Friday when there are tasty treats waiting for me inside. I learned so much about myself as an artist, as well as my peers and other famous artists outside of school. I would not have admitted this while completing an artist or gallery report, but these assignments really broadened my once limited understanding and knowledge of the world of art, and I urge you as incoming students to take them seriously and earnestly. I also learned a lot about time management in this class, and had to strategically (or sometimes not so strategically) plan out my weeks in order to make sure I could complete a piece on time, while still putting effort into it. A troublesome worry of mine when entering the class was being able to produce mass amounts of art constantly, and not run out of ideas. This fear was unnecessary, because inspiration is easily found when you are surrounded by other creative and eager artists. Overall, my AP Art experience was valuable and completely worthwhile. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to explore and express my creativity as well as getting to know other peers and their creative side. It is a meaningful class that had a huge impact on me.
LEO LAWRENCE: To the AP art class of 2013, there is much I accomplished this year in terms of my artistic ability and stylistic choices, but those accomplishments did not come without hard work. While I was successful in reducing my focus, painfully but inevitably, to a figurative and abstract painting manner that mirrors those of mid 1900 German artists (and only slightly), this decision did not come without much trial and error, exposure to different artists and teachers, and a rigorous commitment to personal practice. I cannot overly express the importance of a daily practice, whether it be painting a landscape of French mountains or doodling in a portable sketchbook everyday, for these experimentations and trivial, but ultimately impact full, habits will help you to grow and become the artist you wish to be (or wish not to be).Often times I have heard others complain of their laziness or indifference when it comes to working every day. The reality is, however, that if you are not excessively passionate about your artistic interest, there is no point in wasting the time of your generous teacher (Ms. Bouse in this case) or the energy of your hard working peers. While coming to the obstacle of an artistic "slump" is more common than we would care to admit, the only way to trudge through such miserable and uninspiring phases are to continue to work. Sometimes, the work you do will be complete shit, but you must not let that deter you. Think of the subject in terms of working through all the sewage so you can fix the leak. For every 1,000 drawings or paintings, you may, if you are very lucky (and luck favors the prepared and well-practiced) create something that will stand the test of time. This is only speaking in terms of personal goals, of course.
Inspiration can be found in a variety of forms and from a multitude of sources, don't limit your creative capacity to stem from only other paintings or drawings you have seen, movie fan art, or video game paraphernalia. Ideas for you work can come from great books you have read, things you have observed in nature or even your social lives, conflicts in relationships, and even such minuscule things as the mechanics of a pencil sharpener.
My overall experience in AP art this year was great. It really motivated me to get a lot of work done and pushed me to try new things as well as focus in on more specific ideas, which I had never really done before. I learned a lot about other artists which have severely impacted my work, as well as a lot about myself as an artist. Overall, my advice to all incoming students would be to work hard, not get discouraged, and expose yourself to as much as you can.
PANIZ SHAHBAZIAN: When I first started AP art I was a mixture of overly confident and somewhat worried. I was overly confident because Ihad a rather odd number of pieces (let’s just say one summer I went nuts and made 500+ pieces) and I was worried because I felt like people might not like me because I work with Photoshop and not with traditional mediums (pens, pencils, watercolor, etc.). Well, my cockiness completely depleted after the first month of being AP art because I hated all my old work after that period and I basically shoved them into this sad little folder on my hard drive, never to be seen again (you will not believe how fast you improve over such a short amount of time; because of that you are continuously being given feedback on your week [every Friday is critique day] you improve at rapid rates (not all of the feedback is useful but 98.9% of it is)). My stress was really my own fault; let’s see you have the NINE MONTHS to create twenty-nine pieces. NINE. MONTHS. A woman could’ve had her baby by the end of that. If you manage your time well, I ASSURE YOU that you’ll be able to finish your pieces. JUST PLEASE, manage your time well. If you’re reading this and going “Oh I would never do that” trust me, procrastination is like a freaking ninja IN THE DARK. You can’t see ninja’s in the dark right? (If you ever do see a ninja in the dark though please take a picture and show me because that is really awesome) Yeah, that’s procrastination (and at the end of that question you can also see distraction at its best which is something also you want to avoid). This entire year I kept thinking “Oh I have SO much time! I’ll just finish it later” but in the end I was forced to finish at least 20/29 pieces in four days. I mean, sure, I was happy with my pieces but the stress and agony that I was in for those four days was ridiculous. Speaking of stress and agony, when Ms. Bouse says come up with concentration ideas DON’T.WRITE.RANDOM.STUFF. Come up with ideas that you, personally, not your friend or your dog, would like to do. If you enjoy drawing action scenes or bunnies (bunnies are a FANTASTIC CONCENTRATION BY THE WAY ♥), then do that; don’t feel like you have to change your concentration because other people might think you’re weird. Moreover, don’t be embarrassed if you don’t know what figure drawing, values, mediums or negative/positive space means; I didn’t know a bunch of stuff when I first came in and I learned through: a) observation and b) asking. Don’t be afraid to ask!!! In the end, even with all the stress, this class was my favorite class; it taught me not to procrastinate, I made a bunch of AWESOME friends, and I am no longer afraid to ask for other people’s opinions on my art ( this last thing is the best thing ever, please use it to its full capacity). Unfortunately this is my last year taking AP art but you might see me if you come into Ms. Bouse’s class during lunch; by the end of the year you become so embedded into this great big organism known as AP art that it literally hurts to have to leave. Cherish your time there and be thankful that our school has such a fantastic program with such great people and such a wonderful teacher who genuinely cares about your artwork. In conclusion: Have fun, be nice and don’t forget to manage your time (for all your classes in fact)!
DEBORAH JANFAZA: Congrats on joining AP Art! AP Art is a very fun yet challenging class. I think that you will accomplish a lot in that class. I improved my technical skills in drawing, painting and photography. I accomplished this by taking the advice of others during critiques. I learned that, for example, for photography, you need to be aware of the surroundings of the subject that you are photographing, and if something is there for a purpose, then you should make it meaningful. When I had artist blocks I was motivated and inspired by the people around me! Even during critiques I would look closely at the other art pieces, and I would find some new and interesting ideas. Also, looking at art books really helps, because you find new ideas for new pieces. I think I got most of my inspiration from my peers and the artists that I look up to. It really helps to find artists that you love so that you could get inspired easily by their art. Also, visiting galleries really helps too, because there could be some things that you can incorporate in your own style of art. My overall AP Art experience was amazing! One of my favorite parts of AP Art is when JB comes and visits our class every Wednesday. She brings new materials and projects for us each week. I got to experiment with different mediums and art styles, and it really helped me because I got to incorporate some of the stuff I learned with JB into my own work. All in all, I learned a lot of valuable art skills that I will carry on with myself throughout my artistic career. Some tips for next year are to not slack off, turn things when they are due, don’t leave things until the last minute, and have fun!
SOFIA BERNSTEIN: AP Art is really a unique class at Samohi; in no other class will you find the amount of responsibility and freedom given to students. Being a college level course, most days in AP Art are given as free time to experiment with art, read art books, or work on pieces. Time spent well in class can determine whether AP Art carries the same burden as a college-level, AP course, or if the class is an easy A for a creative break to a stressful day.Though I am a photographer, I only spent about half the class working with photography. Instead, I took the opportunity to consider new media, working with pens, paint, pencil, watercolors, and collage. Ultimately, I wish I would have concentrated more heavily on my forte, photography, which I think a lot of former AP Art student would agree with. It is tempting to try media you are not familiar with, but it is also important to remember what you really love to do, be it painting or pencil work.
Weekly critiques are held on Fridays. These can be intimidating, especially when your classmates are so much better than you are. Try to remember that confidence is more effective than you think, and that there is a reason you were accepted in to AP Art in the first place. You are AP Art acceptable. Critiques are incredibly helpful, especially when your work is stuck in a rut. Your incredibly talented and creative classmates will give you project ideas and concepts, an invaluable resource for an uninspired artist. In addition, your talented and creative classmates will be flattered and eager to answer any questions you have about an idea for a piece, or a half-finished piece, or a not-quite-done-yet piece.
Art is fun; that’s why we do it. So take advantage of the entire hour you have, every day, set aside for you to do exercise your artistic freedoms. Use it well.
NICK SARDO: When I started AP Art, I was very unsure of my work. I knew I wanted to do art, and I knew I had good ideas and good sense
of what was “good”, but I didn’t know how to do the pieces I wanted to. I could see in my head all the things I wanted to create, but translating my ideas into reality was a challenge. Often, the things I ended up creating didn’t turn out how I wanted them to. What I really needed what a space in my day where I could practice and improve my technique, and even better, a space that could supply me with almost any medium I could want. This exploration of media is critical for me to find a suitable way to express a particular inspiration I may have. I have now gotten to a place where it finally feels like I have an adequate array of tools at my disposal to not feel “stuck” with an idea I can’t figure out how to express. The feedback from the other students in the class was invaluable in helping me go in the right direction with my pieces as well.Whenever I had trouble figuring out what to do next with my art, or simply had trouble coming up with an idea, I first tried going back to something I’d already down. If I was really stuck, I’d look at an idea I’d already explored, and try to figure out a variation I could do. Most of the themes in my pieces are super unrealistic, so I have lots of weird elements that reappear because of this method of unblocking my brain. For instance, a bunch of my pieces have floating islands in them, or hands holding something. Sometimes, experimenting with a new medium also bring new ideas to light. Certain images just seem to fit a medium.
The source of my inspiration is really hard to pin down. Every idea seems to come from a different place. An ad, a movie, a character in a book, anything can strike me in such a way that it inspires a piece, or part of a piece. I think the best advice I can give a young artist is to keep your mind open. The world we live in can be a constant source of inspiration if you just look around, literally any aspect of your life can work it’s way into your art.
AP art has been a fantastic experience for me. The hour a day I get to share with a group of creatively minded people is always the best. It’s such a nice feeling to be in a room with people who you know can think critically about, and love, art the way that you do. Being around passionate people only makes you more passionate. For someone like me who enjoys experimentation, the access AP Art students have to materials is fantastic. Once you learn where everything in the classroom is, you feel like a kid in a candy store. Above all though, the most important thing I got out of this class is my general attitude towards my pieces. Once you’re able to think critically about your work without judging yourself too harshly for it, you can really start to improve as an artist.
Don’t worry too much about the result of your work. Have fun, and enjoy the process. Lose yourself in your art, and if you’re really passionate about what you’re doing, it’s nothing but fun, even when it’s hard.
SICOYA BELLIS: This year, I was able to accomplish a very large amount of work. At first, It seemed that a project every week would be a large amount of work. I was never wrong on that part, and I typically spend several hours every week drawing, painting, and designing. In a large part though, this became possible only after I became moderately proficient with the materials. But this does not hold true throughout. It can also be stated that my artistic ability to express myself as a whole has grown, which is a significant and important part of being an artist.
As we all know, drawing can be a painful and dreaded task that our mind exaggerates the difficulty of. My best advice in this period of a lack of artistic expression, is to either sit down and just doodle, or to work on things that will work your technical abilities. Spending 11 hours on a piece may suck, but you soon see the benefits.
I am mainly inspired by the technologies, people, and things I interact with often.Mostly, I suggest that you explore whatever it is that interests you. Don't worry about what Ms. Bouse or everyone else thinks you should focus on. It's alright to tune people out and to explore your own interests.
Out of this class, I received a place where I could work with new materials, and have a motivation to complete work at a fast pace. I also had the benefit of peer review, which is quite helpful.
I don't have much else to share. Mostly, be yourself and have fun. Just do your work, and your grades should be fine. Have fun next year.
SARAH HOROWITZ: This is most certainly a wonderful opportunity, don’t let it go to waste! As you may have heard, you will meet some incredible people through this program, but don’t let that distract you from your work. Appreciate your mentors ! ( i.e :Ms. Bouse , JB , Other Art teachers and volunteers) These people are there to help you!!!! And some of them don’t even get paid!!!! They are on your side and want to encourage you, So BE RESPECTFUL! Not just to them. To other classmates and the environment. The tools are for EVERYONE to use! Not just you, and Ms Bouse isn’t a maid, clean up your own messes. Take care of the materials!! We are so blessed to have amazing tools and supplies donated to the program, take care of what we have. Be kind to others. It’s ok to have an opinion , but no one likes a jerk. Don’t just say “ IT SUCKS!!!!!” why does it suck? What about it sucks so bad? And how can the artist improve their work? When in critique : IT’S OK IF THE PIECE ISN’T TOTALLY FINISHED. Your classmates will help you out with unresolved ideas or questions you might have with how to finish a piece. Take critiques seriously, don’t mess around when others are presenting, it’s NOT COOL. Plus I guarantee you will want the same respect when your piece is up there. Don’t be intimidated by other students. Yes! They are talented! And so are you! If your particularly interested in someone’s style, try it out! Ask them for pointers! We are there to help each other not compete! Also, if you say you’re going to bring or do something, just do it. Be a team player! AP Art Is AWSOME! HAVE FUN!!!
MARYAM HANSER: AP Art this year has been a great experience for me. It taught me a lot about how to work in a timely manner and be able to produce a piece every week. I think the most important thing is to never procrastinate, always get on top of things when they’re assigned. Although there is a grace period for gallery reports and artist reports, you don’t want to be stuck doing them at the last minute. Also, I really suggest picking your concentration early on in the year and making sure that you produce a lot of pieces that you could use for it. After you’ve finished your concentration, for the rest of your pieces you will have a lot more freedom in choosing what to do. The project record is also really important, as long as you’re keeping up with all the work you’re producing, it’ll be easy come the AP to fill in the information for every piece. Overall, AP Art is such a fun class and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys art.
GUS GRAEF: You just entered what very well may become the most important class you will ever take. If you have any desire to create art then this is the place. Nothing can help you more than surrounding yourself with other artists and this is just the place. I accomplished more in ap art than I could have in any other class, although I did have it for 3 years. The best thing you can do for yourself in this class is just to make more art than is physically possible. Yes, more than what's possible. You will learn to fail. To mess up/loose work that you find most dear to you, and that's a good thing. I learned how important it can be to spend hours on a piece and then lighting it on fire. Remember that fire is the best cure for boredom. If you can't think of a piece to make, Use fire. Look in every drawer in the art room and use every single material you find. If you find something and you don't know what it is or how to use it, make up a name and figure it out before you go ask. I find that can be the best way to figuring out a new medium. Learn from everyone in the class. Even if you think you have nothing to learn from them you do. Dive in art, you will hit the bottom and then find more caves. It never ends.ADVICE LETTER ARCHIVES
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